Swivel Base Plate with Non-Uniform Thickness for Excavator Frames
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swivel frames for swivel work machines, such as backhoes, are heavy and costly due to the uniform thickness of the swivel base plate, which is unnecessary for reinforcement in all areas, leading to increased weight and manufacturing expenses.
Innovation Solution
The swivel base plate is divided into a thinner rear plate portion and a thicker front plate portion, with vertical walls and engine mounting portions strategically attached to create a sturdy yet lightweight structure, reducing weight and manufacturing costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the swivel base plate is formed with uniform thickness throughout for reinforcement, then the structural strength is improved, but the weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel base plate is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a front plate portion with greater thickness for reinforcement where structural strength is needed, and a rear plate portion with smaller thickness where reinforcement is less critical. This local differentiation of thickness provides the necessary structural strength while reducing overall weight and manufacturing cost.
2Strength
If the swivel base plate is formed with uniform thickness throughout for reinforcement, then the structural strength is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The swivel base plate is designed with non-uniform thickness, featuring a front plate portion with greater thickness for reinforcement where structural strength is needed, and a rear plate portion with smaller thickness where reinforcement is less critical. This local differentiation of thickness provides the necessary structural strength while reducing overall weight and manufacturing cost.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A swivel frame for a swivel work machine includes a swivel base plate (57) supported on a traveling machine body (3) to be pivotable about a swivel axis (X) and mounting an engine (35) at a rear portion thereof, a support bracket (17) provided at a front end of the swivel base plate (57) for supporting an excavator (6), a partition wall (59) provided on the swivel base plate (57) for partitioning space forwardly of the engine (35) in the fore/aft direction, and a pair of right and left vertical ribs (61R,61L) provided on the swivel base plate (57) for interconnecting the support bracket (17) and the partition wall (59). The swivel base plate (57) is divided into a rear plate portion (66) on the rear side thereof and a front plate portion (67) on the front side thereof, the rear plate portion (66) being formed of a plate thinner than the front plate portion (67). The rear plate portion (66) and the front plate portion (67) are fixedly connected to each other in such in a manner that upper surfaces thereof are flush each other. A rear portion of the front plate portion (67) projects more rearward than the partition wall (59). A pair of vertical walls (69L,69R) are formed on and project from the rear plate portion (66). Front portions (69LF,69RF) of the pair of vertical walls (69L,69R) project more forward than the rear plate portion (66) and are fixedly attached to the rear portion of the front plate portion (67) and the partition wall (59).